Examples Of Power In Animal Farm By George Orwell

Animal Farm, by George Orwell, explores the idea that power tends to lead to corruption of the leader in which they manipulate their position of leadership to exploit other animals. The story tells of the rise in power of a pig named Napoleon, who takes control of the farm once the animals rebel against their owner. Napoleon becomes so focused on his power, he soon turns the farm into a dictatorship. Napoleon’s corruption is illustrated by his lack of concern for others, his superiority, and his part in violence. Power can create leaders that are indifferent to the agony of others' suffering. The farm is struggling, so the hens have to give up their eggs since there is no food and animals are nearly starving; “[t]he hens, who had just come

By doing this, it illustrates that Napoleon isn't interested in others' suffering. Boxer has worked so hard for the Rebellion that he's worked himself to death; “The time had been when a few kicks from Boxer's hoofs would have smashed the van to matchwood. But alas! His strength had left him, and in a few moments, the sound of drumming hoofs grew fainter and died away. (123)” He's so weak from starvation and trying to rebuild the windmill that he's useless. The pigs send him off to be slaughtered, and he's too weak to fight back. By doing this, it illustrates that even though Boxer is the strongest and the most determined, the pigs still sent him away when he got weak. Napoleon taking away the eggs to sell and sending Boxer away because he became weak, illustrates that with the power he holds, he is untouched by others' suffering. Power can create egotistical leaders who think they are better than others. Animal Farm has proclaimed a republic, and it is necessary to elect a president; “[i]t became necessary to elect a President. There is only one candidate, Napoleon, who was elected unanimously. (116)” The farm needed someone to become powerful and who is better than